USB-C charging receptacle for many kinds of wireless equipment – the goal is to harmonise the charging of equipment throughout the EU

The EU Radio Equipment Directive defines harmonised requirements on all wireless equipment that uses radio frequencies. The aim of the new criteria that will enter into force at the end of the year is to:

• harmonise the charging receptacles of equipment as well as fast charging technology
• improve the convenience of use of the equipment for the users
• reduce the amount of waste electrical and electronical equipment.

The requirements concerning a USB-C receptacle apply to several equipment groups

The new requirements apply to the following groups of radio equipment that can be recharged by means of wired charging:

• handheld mobile phones
• tablets
• digital cameras
• headphones and headsets
• handheld videogame consoles
• portable speakers
• e-readers
• keyboards and mice
• portable navigation systems
• earbuds
• laptops.

Radio equipment entering the EU market must meet the new requirements starting from 28 December 2024, and laptops starting from 28 April 2026.

The manufacturers, sellers and importers must anticipate the new requirements

"The manufacturers, importers and sellers must ensure that, in addition to the current requirements, the radio equipment being sold meet the new requirements related to e.g. the charging receptacles of equipment and fast charging technology as well as labelling", says Legal Adviser Sanni Eerola. The equipment must have a USB-C charging receptacle, and if the equipment supports fast charging, it must support at least the USB Power Delivery charging technology. The aim of these technological requirements is to harmonise charging, because a different kind of charging receptacle or an incompatible charging technology may have made it more difficult to use chargers with different equipment. A charging receptacle is the part of radio equipment to which the charger cable is connected.

In addition, new labels are used to indicate whether there is a charger included with the equipment and what the charging capabilities of the equipment are. The labelling must be found on e.g. the packaging as well as in connection with the price information of the equipment in the case of distance selling.

The manufacturers, importers and sellers must also offer consumers the option of purchasing radio equipment in the groups of equipment mentioned above without a charger. This allows consumers to choose whether to purchase a charger with new equipment or use an existing charger.
 

Consumer: check the labelling of the equipment and choose equipment either with or without a charger

The aim of the new labels is to ensure that the consumers know if a charger is included with the equipment being sold and that they are provided with information about the charging capabilities of the equipment. "It is important that consumers pay attention to the new labels when purchasing equipment in the future so that they can choose equipment either with or without a charger", emphasizes Senior Specialist Milla Kuokkanen. According to the new rules, the labels also provide consumers with information about the charging capabilities of the equipment, which makes it easier for consumers to check if their current chargers are compatible with the new equipment.  

Traficom monitors the conformity of wireless equipment sold on the Finnish market

With the change in the Radio Equipment Directive, the market surveillance of radio equipment under Traficom’s responsibility will also expand to cover the new requirements when their application starts.